Ukraine says it has retaken territory near embattled eastern city of Bakhmut

Residential buildings razed to the ground and shell craters are seen in an aerial view of Maryinka, an eastern city where heavy battles with Russian troops have been taking place in the Donetsk region (AP)

Ukrainian military commanders said their troops have recaptured more territory from Russian forces at the scene of the war’s longest and bloodiest battle, for the eastern city of Bakhmut, but it was not clear if this marked the start of Kyiv’s long-expected counter-offensive.

Russia’s Defence Ministry, meanwhile, said Kyiv had stepped up attacks north of the region.